Send us a text! Fresh off an appearance at County Before Country, I chat with Nate Spearing, a retired Army Ranger with some hot takes and amazing stories from a life as a warrior. Nate lives in a school bus with his family, is building a homestead, and has a successful construction company. He also podcasts at Life on Target . Nate's Website . Nate on Insta . Nate on Twitter . Sign up on Patreon to get exclusive content, including part II of this episode. In the second half, Nate and I talk abo...
Sep 06, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 89
Send us a text! In this episode, I talk about how patriarchy shows up in every day life, from issues like finances, sex, fertility, modesty, and social media to a man's mission and why women take their husband's last name. Special thanks to our sponsors, Reformation Heritage Books , and Christendom Bible College , for making this episode possible. Notes: Become an exclusive member of the Hard Men Podcast by signing up at Patreon! Use discount code HMPSUMMERFIVE to get 10% off orders at EricConn....
Aug 25, 2022•56 min•Season 1Ep. 88
Send us a text! The average fruit tree takes between three and seven years, on average, to produce fruit after first planting. Whether you want plum, pear, apple or apricot, it's at minimum a multi-year investment. In a world driven by the fast-paced industrial time clock, Google calendars broken down into five-minute segments, and a consumer-driven culture that wants what it wants and wants it yesterday, the enduring patience of fruit trees has much to teach us. Show Notes: Use discount code HM...
Aug 16, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 87
Send us a text! From Virgil to Dante to Dumas, the greats have understood a major thematic element in the story of masculinity…The descent into darkness. There must be descent. To find the golden branch of the ancient tree, men must descend into suffering, eating ashes, grief, death. Men must learn, as Robert Bly says, the season of “eating ashes.” We'll talk about that in today's episode. Special thanks to our sponsors, Reformation Heritage Books , and Christendom Bible College , for making thi...
Aug 08, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Send us a text! In this episode, I talk with Brian Sauve about men's health, especially related to testosterone and hormone levels. We talk about what factors impact hormone health, as well as what you can do to improve your sex drive, mood, & energy levels. We're not doctors, so don't be dumb—use your brain, consult your doctor, so on and so forth.This episode is sponsored by Reformation Heritage Books. Be sure to check out a great resource, the Family Worship Bible Guide .Also, Huge shout ...
Jul 18, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 85
Send us a text! In this episode, I talk with Dr. Joel Beeke, pastor and president of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, about his passion, the Puritans. We also talk about the importance of family worship, its theological basis, and practical ways to implement it in your household.This episode is sponsored by Reformation Heritage Books, which is giving a way a free copy of Dr. Beeke's ebook, Family Worship as a thank you for listening. Be sure to check out another great companion resource, t...
Jun 29, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 84
Send us a text! In The Aeneid, Virgil paints a picture of the good man through the story of Aeneas. Having fled after Troy fell to the Greeks, our hero embarks on a journey to plant a city for his son and future generations. In the process, we learn that Aeneas is a good man because he has developed pietas, gravitas, and auctoritas. In this episode, we'll talk about what those virtues are and why they're central to understanding masculinity.Special thanks to this episode's sponsors, Reformation ...
Jun 22, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Send us a text! Register for the 2023 New Christendom Press Conference here . In this episode, I talk with my friend Ben Garrett (Boniface Woodworking) about the book, "Monsters from the Id," the French Revolution, Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, Dracula, and what it all has to do with the Sexual Revolution & Identity Politics dominating our culture today. As it turns out, the monsters we unleash aren't so easy to contain.This episode is sponsored by Reformation Heritage Books . Be sure to check...
Jun 04, 2022•1 hr 49 min•Season 1Ep. 82
Send us a text! In this episode, I'm joined by Brian Sauve and Dan Berkholder to talk about the five most influential books we've read. Spoiler alert: some of our picks turned into clusters. In any case, you'll get your money's worth in this episode, which is full of lots of great book discussions. From classic works of fiction to sci fi and theology, we unpack the books that have most shaped our thinking.This episode is sponsored by Reformation Heritage Books . Be sure to check out the Family W...
May 21, 2022•2 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 81
Send us a text! Are you hated in today's culture? If not, you should probably be concerned. The fact is, if we're faithful to Christ, that means the world will hate us. Consider this a roadmap to being hated — and how to do it as a Christian, i.e. with joy & gratitude, not bitterness.I'm joined in this episode by Dan Berkholder and Brian Sauve as we make our epic Meatspedition to get beef and pork from Quinn Bible, owner of Salt & Strings Butchery in southern Illinois.This episode is spo...
May 08, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 80
Send us a text! In this episode, we talk about the Great Battle for the Masculine or heroic soul. We'll talk about why men long to have the odds stacked against them, back to back with other great men, in a fight that demands their very best—courage, competence, and strength. We'll also talk about how you can cultivate virtue.This episode is sponsored by Reformation Heritage Books . Be sure to check out the Family Worship Bible Guide. Other notes... A King's Hall Podcast episode about Chesty Pul...
Apr 30, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 79
Send us a text! In this episode, I talk with John Moody about what's going on with low testosterone in men, why our world is overrun by soy products, and what you can do to combat this softening. We'll also talk about technology, whether or not it is neutral, and what we can learn from the Amish about a principled approach to novel tech. We'll look at why gardens are a form of resistance, why food is a weapon, and John's relationship with Thomas Massie, who may well be the most based gent in Ame...
Apr 26, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 78
Send us a text! What drove Michael Jordan to greatness? It was his father hunger. Unfortunately, that same father hunger is also destroying a nation, as young men and women long for fatherhood but often find only absence, criticism, coldness, or, worse, abusive language and behavior.Why is Father Hunger so important? Why has it shaped a generation? We’ll discuss this and more in this episode of the Hard Men Podcast.Pick up your copy of the Family Worship Bible Study Guide from Reformation Herita...
Apr 16, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Send us a text! Men of weak character put the people around them at risk, and this only worsens as timid-hearted men of delicate constitution rise in the ranks of leadership within a community, church, or government. Think of Captain Sobel in Band of Brothers, the petty and capricious disciplinarian of Easy Company who always got lost, tortured his men, and was wildly disliked. Support the show...
Apr 05, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Send us a text! In this episode, I talk with pastor Joel Webbon from Right Response Ministries . We talk about how many of us have made huge transitions from Acts 29 to post mill covenant theology, and why that trend is happening. We also talk about Aimee Byrd, the slippery slope to feminism that is complementarianism, and why biblical masculinity is needed in the pulpit today.Notes: Right Response YouTube . The Ridge Church on Facebook . Support the show...
Mar 30, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 11Ep. 74
Send us a text! Should Christians pray the imprecatory Psalms? Many notable Christian voices, including C.S. Lewis, say 'no.' However, we find the imprecatory Psalms on the lips of New Testament authors and Christ. So what's the verdict? In this episode I talk with Sean McGowan, a PCA pastor, about his book, Psalms that Curse . The book makes the case that Psalms of imprecation are important for believers to pray today, and we talk about the biblical argument for doing so. Psalms that Curse , by...
Mar 25, 2022•56 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Send us a text! In the American church today, the standard philosophy when it comes to attracting men is that you set the barrier for entry as low as possible. You ask little to nothing from men, you don’t expect much from them by way of attention span or effort, and you try to make the service as much like a rock concert or sporting event as possible. In effect, we treat our men like Homer J. Simpson (a moron) or Ned Flanders (effeminate), and are then surprised when the competent men aren't pr...
Mar 19, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Send us a text! In this episode, I talk with Dave and Kyle from Reformed Operator about why God so often prefers to work through faithful men serving as warriors for His cause. Such was the case with the Rhodesian SAS and Selous Scouts, which we talk about in this episode. We also talk about Kyle's recent article, Who Dares Wins , about the Rhodesian SAS. We talk about what Guerilla Theology is, why it's important, and how you can develop a "Minuteman Mindset."Show Notes: Who Dares Wins , Reform...
Mar 04, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Send us a text! In this episode, I talk about the positive things you can be doing to maximize your 20s and set yourself up for several decades of fruitfulness. We'll also talk about how to build a legacy vision for the next 50, 500, and 1,000 years, and why this is important. We'll also address why you... Need to focus on sowing seeds & patiently plodding Need a mission and how to discover yours Need to make room for marriage counseling Should prioritize rest is as important as prioritizing...
Feb 28, 2022•58 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Send us a text! When it comes to living well in your 20s, society has a lot of poisonous ideas about what the good life would actually look like. Pagan culture encourages delaying responsibility, marriage, and family in exchange for careers, promiscuity, and carefree living. But does that work? Does it lead to happiness? Or is it quietly fueling a massive societal implosion?In this episode, we'll talk about the six main lies that would cause you to not live well in your 20s. Next episode, we'll ...
Feb 18, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Send us a text! Having utterly crushed Eric on Twitter recently with a viral tweet, Brian Sauve takes control of the Hard Men Podcast. In this episode, Eric, Brian, and Dan Berkholder talk about Brian's recent viral tweet about modesty that has over 30 million views. Brian drew the ire of Barstool Sports, Adidas, Yahoo News, and other media coverage from The Blaze, Daily Wire, Not the Bee, and Others. We'll also talk about... Our new podcast about cultural engagement Why modesty is such a hot bu...
Feb 11, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Send us a text! In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Owen Strachan, Provost & Research Professor of Theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary, AKA, "The Strip Mall Seminary." We'll unpack the deeper themes in 1917, a film about WWI. We'll also talk about... Why men love manly movies Why films are such powerful ways to tell a story Why beauty is often layered Why Sam Mendes & 1917 are so often misunderstood The theme of trees in the film Notes: Christianity and Wokeness , by Owen Stracha...
Feb 02, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Send us a text! Why do men hate going to church? Why are Western churches at least 60 percent female in composition? What about the church is so repulsive to masculine men?In this episode, I interview David Murrow, author of the book, Why Men Hate Going to Church . We'll talk about: Why are men are so vital for the health of the church? What about the church is so female friendly? Why do so many churches refuse to acknowledge the Lion-like traits of Christ? Why are megachurches attractive to men...
Jan 28, 2022•48 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Send us a text! OK, so I threw in an 11th reason. Call it "bonus material." But seriously, why do men hate going to church? The Western church is comprised mostly of women, sometimes as much as a 65% female majority. Again, why is this? We'll explore the reasons in this episode. How the Christian Media Industry is at War with Men , EricConn.com. Support the show...
Jan 19, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Send us a text! In this episode, I talk about 'Churchianity,' an insidious teaching in the church that, like the Matrix, is hidden everywhere in plain sight. It explains The Gospel Coalition and why so many evangelical pastors have gone Woke. The term comes from Dr. Joe Boot of the Ezra Institute, whose writings also helped shape my thoughts on pietism.Show Notes: Churchianity or Christianity: The Need for Scriptural Cultural Theology , by Dr. Joe Boot Paradise Restored, by David Chilton The Mis...
Jan 10, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 64
Send us a text! In this episode, I review the new book, It's Good to Be a Man, by Michael Foster and Bnonn Tennant. Released by Canon Press, IGTBAM is a book that every man should read, especially Christian men striving to become godly patriarchs with genuine, righteous gravitas. We'll talk about why the book is important at this particular cultural moment, and discuss some of the core concepts in the book.Show Notes: It's Good to Be a Man (website) The book from Canon Press Support the show...
Jan 02, 2022•58 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Send us a text! In this episode, I talk with Matt Trewhella, a pastor in Wisconsin, about the Kyle Rittenhouse trial. Men from Matt's church were armed and present the night of the now infamous shooting, and Matt gives some hot takes about why Kyle did the just thing. I get Matt's response to various evangelical takes on Rittenhouse, including Doug Wilson, The Gospel Coalition, J.D. Vance, and David French. Finally, we'll talk about why so many Christians are afraid to deal with a biblical doctr...
Nov 19, 2021•47 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Send us a text! In this episode, I talk with Jon Harris about his new book, "Christianity and Social Justice: Religions in Conflict." We talk about the history of the social justice movement, why it is a competing religion with Christianity, and the key players who are pushing it in the church. Jon gives his take on the fate of the SBC, including with key players at key seminaries, and his experience as a podcaster who's gained notoriety from opposing Wokeness in the modern church.Notes: Convers...
Nov 17, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Send us a text! In this episode, I compare and contrast the unbiblical counterfeit of Pietism with the real thing, Piety. We'll talk about what Pietism is, why it's a distortion of biblical teaching, and how it has negatively impacted American evangelicalism. We'll also talk about what biblical Piety is and why it's good for culture & society.Notes: The Political Pietism of John Piper , Andrew Sandlin Churchianity or Christianity: The Need for Scriptural Cultural Theology, Joseph Boot Why Pi...
Nov 11, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Send us a text! In this episode, I talk with Pastor Brian Sauve about how Christians should think about relocating to a different state and worship community. What priorities should order that decision? How should fathers lead through these difficult decisions? What factors should weigh most heavily when considering a move?Show Notes: Should Christians Relocate to Conservative Areas? Refuge Sunday School Podcast Refuge Church App Aaron Renn, The Masculinist, What to Think About When You Think Ab...
Oct 27, 2021•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 59
